De Gondomar could scarcely conceal his satisfaction.

At this moment Lord Roos pressed towards the King.

“I have something to say in reference to this young man, my liege,” he cried.

“In his favour?” demanded the King.

“Yes, yes; in his favour, Sire,” said De Gondomar, looking hard at the young nobleman.  “You need not trouble his Majesty further, my lord.  He is graciously pleased to accede to our wishes.”

“Ay, ay; nae mair need be said,” cried James.  “Let the young man stand forward.”

And as Jocelyn obeyed the injunction which was immediately communicated to him by De Gondomar, the King bade him kneel down, and taking Lord Roos’s sword, touched him with it upon the shoulder, exclaiming, “Arise!  Sir Jocelyn.”

“You are safe now,” whispered De Gondomar.  “This is the first blow, and it has been well struck.”

So confused was the new-made knight by the honour thus unexpectedly conferred upon him, that when he rose to his feet he could scarcely command himself sufficiently to make the needful obeisance, and tender thanks to the King.  For a moment, his brow was flushed with pride, and his breast beat high; but the emotions were instantly checked, as he thought how the title had been purchased.  Looking towards the prisoner, he beheld him in the hands of the warders, to whose custody he had been committed, with his arms bound behind him by thongs.  His gaze had never quitted the young man during the ceremony which had just taken place, and he still regarded him sternly and reproachfully.

“Let the prisoner be removed, and kept in a place of safety till our pleasure respecting him be made known,” cried James.  “And now, my lords and ladies, let us forward to the palace.”

And the cavalcade was once more put in motion, and passing through the great gateway entered the Fountain Court, where the nobility of both sexes dismounted, while their attendants and the falconers and varlets passed off to the offices.

The prisoner was conveyed to the porter’s lodge, and strictly guarded, till some secure chamber could be prepared for him.  On the way thither Jocelyn contrived to approach him, and to say in a low tone—­“Can I do aught for Aveline?”

“Concern not yourself about her, Sir Jocelyn,” rejoined Hugh Calveley, with stern contempt.  “She is in a place of safety.  You will never behold her more.”

CHAPTER XXII.

Wife and Mother-in-Law.

Quick steps descended the narrow staircase—­steps so light and cautious that they made no sound.  Before drawing aside the arras that covered the secret entrance to the chamber, the lady paused to listen; and hearing nothing to alarm her, she softly raised a corner of the woof and looked in.